Book Marketing That Actually Works: 5 Strategies That Generated $500K in Sales

🐬 Join the Sprint Club: https://www.strategysprints.com ⚡️ Receive our newsletter: https://thesalesshow.beehiiv.com/ Simon woke up 4 AM sweaty: 'The book needs to change.' 6 hours and 3 coffees later, he rewrote every chapter. Here's what founders miss about the book editing process—and why the hard part starts AFTER you finish writing Sean, Neil, and Simon pull back the curtain on writing their books—from the 10-person friend editor strategy to Simon's pivot with Jay Abraham, audiobook considerations, and the "I wish I had" title framework. THE EDITING APPROACHES: Simon's Book 1 (Strategy Sprints, 2022): Publisher editor from Kogan Page Paid editor Cindy on top Reason: First book, not a great writer Two editors during writing phase Simon's Book 2 (with Jay Abraham): Jay and Simon talk, Claude writes AI as writing partner Still considering book writing coach in Google doc Example: Ali Abdaal's coach Azul with comments/questions/restructuring suggestions SEAN'S FRIEND EDITOR STRATEGY: The System: Chose 7-10 trusted people Made individual Google Doc copy for each person Title format: "[Name] - Controlled Copy - [Date]" Gave specific questions for feedback Timeline provided Why Individual Copies: "Remove their access after edits so you have one controlled master copy. Don't leave loose copies out there." Chapter Markers: 04:10 – Wins of the Week: Personal updates, life chaos, and current projects from Sean, Neil, and Simon. 08:45 – Editing Approaches: How Simon uses publishers, paid editors, and AI tools like Claude to refine drafts. 13:20 – Friend Editors: Sean’s system of giving controlled copies and targeted questions for peer feedback. 20:15 – Writing for Audiobooks: Story-first structure and adapting technical content for audio. 25:00 – ICP Pivot: How redefining the ideal reader caused a full book rewrite and new direction. 31:10 – Covers & Titles: Branding consistency, color choices, and titles that communicate value clearly. 36:40 – Publishing Options: Pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing—and why publishers don’t market for you. 41:50 – Marketing Strategy: Podcast tours, partner-driven lead magnets, and email list–building for launch. 48:30 – Final Advice: If a book is the best vehicle for your message, commit and start writing. 🐬 Join the Sprint Club: https://www.strategysprints.com ⚡️ Free Tools: https://www.strategysprints.com/tools CONNECT WITH ME 🐦 X: https://x.com/simonseverino 👋 LinkedIn: https://at.linkedin.com/in/simonseverino 🎉 Free Community: strategysprints.com ACCELERATE YOUR SALES 🐬 Business Coaching: https://www.strategysprints.com 🌴 Sales Show: https://www.youtube.com/@simonseverinosales 💪 Investing Show: https://www.youtube.com/@InvestingShow SIMON SEVERINO Simon Severino is the CEO of Strategy Sprints. He has created +2B in additional sales for his clients over the last 21 years. As an advisor who became CEO, he had to learn the importance of working ON the business more than IN it. Now, he shares his proven templates with high-ticket entrepreneurs. They reclaim 14 hours per week using the Strategy Sprints™ Method and enjoy sales that soar. Author of "Strategy Sprints", Podcast Host Ranking Top 2,5%, TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, Triathlete. Has appeared on over 1300 podcasts. When he is not supercharging sales, you'll find him swimming, biking, running and tricking his 3 kids into outdoor activities so they can't escape his annoying shrinky questions.